Hair-curling device and ornament



Patented May 11, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,678,049 HAIR-CURLINGLDEVICE AND ORNAMENT Sue J. Eigenrauch, Broinrville, N. Y.

1951, Serial Nb. 229,220

15 Claims. (01. 132- 46) Application May :51,

This invention relates to improvements in hair curling devices and ornaments.

Before retiring for the night, after washing their hair, and at any other time, many women put up their hair with a plurality .of spaced bobby pins, to assure a curl. To small lock of hair is coiled around a finger tip; the coil is flattened out and removed from the finger, adjacent the scalp; and a bobby pin is used to hold the flattened coil in place, one of its prongs beingplaced below and the other prong being placed across the top of the coil. On larger curls, an additional bobby pin is placed, in similar fashion, across the coil of hair as well as across the first bobby pin, but at an angle, say atright angles, to the first bobby pin.

Such a bobby pin arrangement has a number of, disadvantages. There are four thicknesses of metal at the cross points of the pins, which are felt by the wearer whentrying to fall asleep on them, and between which stray hairs are caught and pulled. Also, the pressure of the bobby pins on the coil of hair is localized across the one or two thin lines, thus leaving the coil quite loose outside of this line or lines. Since tightness of the coil is what makes the curl and determines its life, wide variationsin tightness in turn induce wide variations in the character of the curl. Furthermore, the bobby pins tend to come off during the night, or to pull so sharply at the scalp that the wearer removes the outer one of the two in order to sleep. On heavy hair, the bobby pins tend likewise to become sprung and thus loosen their grip on the coil. It becomes necessary, therefore, to bend them back together, one by one, before using each time. Too, when a bobby pin is to be inserted on a curl, it must be opened with two hands, even though the left hand is at the time partly occupied in holding down the coil, and must be held open. As is well known, the whole arrangement is a rather ludicrous sight, one that is often portrayed by cartoonists to obtain their desired humorous effect. i

A number of substitutes for the conventional bobby pin have been proposed. Among them is a metal clip formed of a base and a top, each having a pair of rather widely spaced prongs. The base and the top are hinged inwardly of their rear ends, so that the rear ends form a handle or grip for opening and closing the forward ends of the prongs. .The clip resembles a conventional indoor clothesline clip to hang up wet clothes for drying or a conventional clip usedby photographers to hang up wet prints for this end, a fairly drying. such clips are even less desirable than the bobby pins because of; the protruding sharp or angular handles or grips, which add considerable bulk tothe hair eoil arrangement, and bear'against the scalpbeyond'the coil of hair, proving highly uncomfortable to the wearer.

,My. investigations have led to the discovery that a .hair curling, device may be provided which, for the, most part, overcomes all of the disad vantagesinentionem' and others,as well. It is readilyf'attached to acoil of hair, provides equal pressure 'on the can at all points, tends to stay in 'positionfdoe's not give'the wearer any discomfort,'has no sharp projections to scratch a. fellow sleeperffand isn'o't only not displeasing in appenancefjbut even is, in'itself, an ornament, and is designed tobe used, independently of the curling function," as'a jewel, as well, dependent onlyupon 'the'form and materials used in the cover.""The fact that the device remains ina right-angular position, ready forsimplest insertion in the "hair, with no assistance from the hands off the user, greatly increases its facile convenience. Its uniform pressure on all areas oithe curl will minimize the present necessity to dampen the hair. (This widespread habit of 'dampening the hair for pin curls is very harmful to it, dries it, robs it of lustre, causes brittleness and breakage.)

"Nor,* with the device of be necessary to wear an unsightly hairnet, or even to stay at home or in the beauty shop until the curl is complete.

The curling deviceof the invention will-be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawing, lowing description, in which:

Fig. a cross-sectionalview of a hair-curling device illustrative of a practice of the invention, showing the device inopen position and ready to be fitted onto accuse hair;

i Fig. 2 is a similar cross sectional view, on the line 25-2 vof Fig. 3, showing closed position 1 Fig. 3 is a bottom view, vice in closed position;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on the'line 4-4 of Fig. 2, showing a preferred hinge" arrangement between the base and cover of the device; r

Fig. 5 is a p'lan view of amodified form of construction, showing a hair-curling device with a coverfthat is adapted adjustably and. resiliently ta. toverai o lofihairi also showing the dethe invention will ittaken in conjunction with the folthe device in its Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the same on the line 66 of Fig. 5

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view on the line 1-! of Fig. 8; and

Fig. 8 is a bottom view of a modified form of construction, showing a hair-curling device formed of a base and a cover, each having a plurality of prongs and the prongs being arranged alternately to each other.

Referring to the curling device I0 shown in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, it will be noted that it comprises a base 12, a cover 54 suitably spaced from one another (Fig. 2) to accommodate a coil of hair, and a hinge l6.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, base I 2 is curved, advantageously, better to fit adjacent the wearers scalp; and, as shown in Fig. 3, the base comprises serted easily under a coil of hair. The forward ends of the prongs separate the hair, so that each -ree space between the adjacent forward ends of the prongs accommodates a portion of th hair.

free spaces between the prongs. The net result is to fasten the base of the device securely to the under portion of the coil of hair.

Still referring to Fig. 3, it will be noted furthe forward end this central low.

In .the particular construction shown, outer integrally secured to the of the adjacent intermedi- Cover I l is cupped, preferably, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, to provide 2) between the cover and the base to receive and hold intact the coil of hair. the cover advantageously parallels that of the or in any other desired shape. Also, as shown in Fig. 3, all of the pIOIlgs of the base extend practically to the peripheral edge portion of the cover. The arrangement, the prongs being permitted net result is a rather compact to move 75 inner prongs.

One or more of the forward ends of the prongs,

around hinge I6. in Figs. 1-3, base center prongs 26 being provided with a tip extension 27 which extends outwardly of the cover. It fits in a slot l5 in the forward portion of the cover. The tip is shown in Fig. 2 in positions 22A and 273 to illustrate how it may rise and fall in the slot, depending on the amount of coil under the cover. In the absence of such a tip extension, 2. slot may be provided that is adapted to receive the tip of a finger, to hold th prong while the cover is lifted.

particular construction shown, the shaped like an 1'2, having a forwardly bent foot '13, attached to the cover and a forward leg 7!! spaced therefrom to provide a recess 76. The support terminates at its ends in standards the shaft so that all of taneously in their normal plane.

As indicated above, central longitudinal the inner prongs serve a I in its open position; and moves outside of the recess when Inner leg it operates as a stop and guide for the rear end of the central spring portions of the All of the inner prongs, preferably, are provided with such spring ends to assure a strong spring action.

closed or open position, the springs are under tension, and the base and cover need be moved only beyond a neutral point between them to cause them to spring together or spring apart. The spring ends, preferably, are in sliding contact al- Ways with foot 13 of outer leg 12 to minimize the chance of any hair being caught therebetween. To this end, the lower edge portion of the leg may be brought slightly under the outer edge portion of the spring ends, or the outer edge portion of the spring may be brought upwardly against the inner surface of the leg, or both.

The modification shown in Figs. 5 and 6 has to do primarily with the cover, the base being like the one shown in Figs. 1 to 4. Cover 90, like cover I4, is generally circular in contour, at least in plan view. As shown, its top is fiat, although it could be cupped, if desired. The cover consists of a continuous outer annular band 92, which may be, although not necessarily, essentially imperforate, and an inner helical portion 94. It is made preferably of metal having a substantial amount of springiness. Whereas cover [4 is not adapted to yield within itself, the helical mid-portion of cover 90 permits it to yield outwardly as a coil of hair is compressed thereunder.

The helical nature of the cover gives it a substantial amount of resiliency, at least toward its center, which allows it to conform, to a substantial extent, to the coil of hair. The amount of pressure exerted by the helical mid-portion depends on the strength or degree of springiness of the material from which it is formed. It will be noted that an open space is provided around the peripheral portions of the base and cover, except for rear annular rim portion 96 of the cover, to which the hinge is secured (Fig. 6)

Referring to the modification shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the base construction is somewhat similar to that of the other two modifications, but differs in certain details. As shown, the base is formed of a plurality of prongs I00, I92, led, and N35. The rear ends are secured to the hinge in the same way that the base prongs are secured to the hinge in the other two modifications. The cover is formed of a plurality of spaced prongs H5], H2, H4, H6 and H8, the rear ends of which are integrally secured to rear annular rim portion 420. As in the case of the preceding modification, it will be noted that an open space is provided around the peripheral portions of the base and cover, except for the rear annular rim portion of the cover (Fig. 7).

It will be noted also that the base prongs are well spaced from one another, that the cover prongs are well spaced from one another, and that the spaced relationship is such that the cover prongs extend laterally over the spaces between the base prongs. In other words, the base prongs and the cover prongs are in alternate relationship to each other. This arrangement permits the cover prongs to bear downwardly on the portions of the coil of hair disposed across the spaces between the base prongs. This is more comfortable to the wearer than would be the case if the cover prongs were disposed directly above the base prongs. If desired, however, the latter superposed arrangement of the base and cover prongs may be employed. The alternate arrangement of prongs has the further advantage of holding the coil more securely and thus helping to keep the device from becoming loose or slipping away.

The over-all shape again is circular, although not necessarily so. This result is obtained by curving base prongs I00 and I06 and cover prongs H0, H2, H6 and H8 in the manner shown.

As in the case of helical mid-portion 92 of cover in the second modification, the cover prongs preferably are constructed of spring metal so that they are adapted to yield, at least to a slight extent, when a coil of hair is compressed between them and the base prongs. This, too, adds to the comfort of thewearer.

In their presently preferred construction, the spring action of the hinge is adapted to bring the base prongs in contact with the cover in the case of the first two modifications, and to bring the forward ends of the base prongs in intermeshing relationship with the forward ends of the cover prongs in the case of the third modification, when a coil of hair is not disposed between the base and the cover.

When using a curling device of the invention, a portion of the users hair may be coiled in the conventional manner, enough hair being selected to make a coil of the desired size; and in any event adapted to be received by the curling device. In the case of the first modification, for example, the device initially is in the open position, as shown in Fig. 1. The base prongs are pushed under the coil as far as possible, after which the cover is pushed downwardly. As it moves past the neutral point of the springs in the hinge, the spring action mentioned causes the cover to spring or snap into closed position. The closed position, furthermore, depends on the amount of hair in the coil. While the coil itself is not shown in Fig. 2, the relative positions of tip extension 21 of the base center prong indicates where the base and the cover may be with respect to each other, depending upon the size of the hair coil.

The modification of Figs. 5 and 6 operates in substantially the same manner, but without an annular side rim, as in the first modification, for enclosing or enveloping the hair coil. The free, unimpeded space between the base and cover permits them to be brought close together. When, therefore, a small lock of hair is used, forming a shallow curl, the wearer has the full advantage of the thinness obtained, for sleepingon or for daytime appearance. As in the first modification, the position of the base with respect to the cover depends on the size of the hair coil.

In the case of the third modification, shown in Figs. 7 and 8, as already indicated, the base prongs and the cover prongs alternate in such a way that the hair coil tends to be depressed between the spaces between both the base and the cover prongs. This tends to reduce the over-all thickness of the device and adds to the users comfort, as well as further increasing the tightness.

The arrangement in each case is such that normally the coil of hair is constantly under pressure between the base and cover. That pressure, moreover, continues as the coil is compressed gradually into a progressively smaller volume. This is true, of course, when the user adds more pressure on the device by lying on it.

In addition to functioning as a hair curler, the device of the invention is employed advantageously as a hair ornament. To this end, for example, the covers may be in the form of any desired jewel. Thus, the cover may be provided with a single gem or a plurality of gems. The cover may be shaped into a configuration that is intended essentially to give an ornamental effect.

For example, the cover may consist only of a golden or silver filigree or lattice for a simple and unobtrusive efiect. .Such a construction has the further advantage .of an even lighter weight. Another expedient is to coat or otherwise cover a cover-in Whatever ornamental pattern it may take, solid or filigreewith suitable colored material. Thus, it may be coated with tinted plastic material, enamel, etc. A suitable delicate fabric, such as a lightweight pile fabric, may be secured to the cover. The possible variety of designs and tints is infinite, making it possible for milady to choose one that blends with or complements the color of her hair, nightgown, negligee, dress, or any other garment. She can select additional sets of the device to harmonize with various ensembles, with casual or with more formal moods.

It will be clear to those skilled in this art that the above illustrations are by way of example, and that the practice of the invention readily lends itself to other useful modifications.

I claim:

1. In a hair-curling device or ornament, the improvement which comprises a base having a plurality of spaced prongs secured at their adjacent ends to a hinge, the free ends of the prongs being adapted to be inserted in hair next to the scalp of the wearer, a cover secured along one side thereof to the hinge, so that the base and the cover may be moved angularly with respect to each other at the hinge to open and close the device, the cover being adapted to receive a coiled lock of hair thereunder when the device is open and to hold the coil of hair tightly for curling when the device is closed, said hinge being wholly located between the base and the cover, a rim guard extending between the cover and the base adjacent to and exteriorly of the rear of the hinge to prevent hair from entering the device at the rear of the hinge, and the base and the cover themselves are the sole means for initiating the opening and closing of the device.

2. A hair-curling device or ornament according to claim 1, in which the cover is cup-shaped with an annular rim to help confine the coil of hair.

3. A hair-curling device or ornament according to claim 1, in which the cover is cup-shaped with an annular rim to help confine the coil of hair; the annular rim contains a slot in its forward portion; at least one of the base prongs has a tip-extension; and the tip-extension projects through the slot.

4. A hair-curling device or ornament according to claim 1, in which the cover is cup-shaped with an annular rim to help confine the coil of hair; at least one of the base prongs is sufficiently short to move freely up and down inside the cover; the annular rim contains a slot in its forward portion; at least one of the base prongs has a tip-extension; and the tip-extension projects through the slot.

5. A hair-curling device or ornament according to claim 1, in which the cover is perforated to permit escape of moisture from and to admit air to the coil of hair.

6. A hair curling device or ornament according to claim 1, in which the cover is provided with a helical mid-portion to give it an adjustable resiliency in holding the coil of hair.

7. A hair-curling device or ornament according to claim 1, in which the cover has an outer, annular, peripheral edge portion and an inner helical central portion adapted to yield resilient- 1y.

8. A hair-curling device or ornament according to claim 1, in which the cover is in the form of a plurality of spaced prongs secured at adjacent ends to the hinge.

9. A hair-curling device or ornament according to the claim 8, in which the prongs of the base and the prongs of the cover are alternately spaced with respect to each other.

10. A hair-curling device or ornament according to claim 1, in which the hinge includes a shaft; and the inner ends of the base prongs are integral with the shaft so that the base and shaft may operate as a unitary whole.

11. A hair-curling device or ornament according to claim 1, in which the hinge includes a shaft; adjacent inner ends of the base prongs are pivotally secured to the shaft; and at least one of the base prongs is provided with a spring member having a free inner end under tension spaced from the shaft and in sliding contact with a support forming a part of the hinge.

12. A hair-curling device or ornament according to claim 1, in which the peripheral edge portion of the base adjacent the hinge and the guard are in sliding contact with each other to inhibit entrance of hair therebetween.

13. A hair-curling device or ornament according to claim 1, in which the hinge includes a shaft wholly supported between the base and the cover; and the inner ends of the base prongs are secured pivotally to the shaft.

14. A hair-curling device or ornament according tothe claim 13, in which at least one of the base prongs is provided with a spring member having a free inner end under tension spaced from the shaft and in sliding contact with a support forming a part of the hinge.

15. A hair curling device or ornament according to claim 1, in which the cover is in the form of a plurality of spaced prongs secured at adjacent ends to the hinge, the prongs of the base and the prongs of the cover are alternately spaced with respect to each other, the prongs in both the base and the cover being sufl'iciently spaced from each other so that the forward ends of the base prongs and the cover prongs may freely intermesh with each other when the device is in its closed position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 492,561 Seidell Feb. 28, 1893 1,570,141 Glantz Jan. 19, 1926 1,982,767 Solomon Dec. 4, 1934 2,241,879 Foster, Jr. May 13, 1941 2,325,315 Haberrnan July 27, 1943 2,410,130 Plumtree Oct. 29, 1946 2,466,976 Walton et al Apr. 12, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 677,708 France Dec. 18, 1929 

